The 2024 MSHSAA District playoffs are set to start tomorrow, May 10th, for Classes 1-through-4, with the Class 5 and Class 6 bracket kicking off next week. From now until then, teams across the state will compete for an opportunity to capture a District crown and punch their ticket to Sectionals, and ultimately a spot in Ozark. 

Over the next few days, our staff will be previewing each District for Class 5 and Class 6. Here are the Districts we have previewed so far: 

+ Class 6, District 8
+ Class 6, District 7
+ Class 6, District 6
+ Class 6, District 5
+ Class 6, District 4
+ Class 6, District 3
+ Class 6, District 2
+ Class 6, District 1
+ Class 5, District 8
+ Class 5, District 7

Below you’ll learn more about Class 5, District 6 and its outlook with the playoffs set to start next week.

+ The track record that Willard (28-5) has established over the last few years in Class 5 speaks for itself. They won the state championship in 2021, finished third in 2022, and lost in the District championship to Glendale, who is now Class 6, last season. The Tigers spent the entire season inside our ‘Large School’ top-15 rankings and have been one of the top teams in the state, regardless of class. Willard has taken down Glendale, Republic, Blair Oaks, Nixa, Branson, Springfield Catholic, and Logan-Rogersville this season, and they’ve also picked up wins over each team in this District. Run prevention and the ability to win close games is the strength of this club, as Willard has held their opponents to two or fewer runs in 19 of their 33 games. With a deep pitching staff and a lineup that boasts plenty of experience positionally, the Tigers have to be one of the favorites to win the Class 5 crown. 

+ Branson (24-10) has enjoyed a highly successful spring and popped up on our radar in late April after they beat West Plains, Glendale, and Republic in a three day span. The Pirates narrowly took down Logan-Rogersville early in the season and also have wins over Springfield Catholic, Nixa, and Summit Christian Academy. The Pirates have two separate streaks of 5+ wins in 2024 and are the two seed in this District. 

+ West Plains (23-4) found themselves inside our ‘Large School’ rankings after rattling off 17 straight wins to start the high school season. They dropped three straight games after their first loss, but the Zizzers have lost just one time since April 22nd. As far as their resume goes, West Plains has beaten Ozark, Poplar Bluff, Lebanon, Marshfield, and Logan-Rogersville. West Plains is home to one of the top players in the entire state in Tank Sims (2024; SEMO), who’s a left-handed hitting catcher that’s able to change any game in any given at-bat. 

+ Marshfield (23-12) is the fourth seed and Springfield Catholic (11-13) earns the fifth seed. The Blue Jays’ offense has shown the ability to put up runs in bunches, scoring 10+ runs in 13 games this spring. They’re riding a four game win streak heading into the playoffs with victories over the Irish and Republic in that span. Springfield Catholic won the Class 4 state championship last spring and, as a result, bumps up to compete in Class 5 this season. They graduated a few key names from that club, but the Irish do have a handful of important pieces that return from last year’s title team. Though they’re two games under the .500 mark, the Irish have played a tough schedule that’s included multiple matchups against top Class 5 and Class 6 teams in the southwest pocket of the state. 

+ Bolivar (11-15), Parkview (6-23), and Hillcrest (2-27) are the final three seeds in this District. 

CLASS 5, DISTRICT 6 SEEDINGS 

Host: Branson 

1. Willard
2. Branson
3. West Plains
4. Marshfield 
5. Springfield Catholic 
6. Bolivar
7. Parkview
8. Hillcrest

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